INTER-AMERICAN DRUG ABUSE CONTROL COMMISSION C I C A D

Transcription

1 INTER-AMERICAN DRUG ABUSE CONTROL COMMISSION C I C A D Secretariat for Multidimensional Security FIFTY-EIGHTH REGULAR SESSION November 11-13, 2015 Trujillo, Perú OEA/Ser.L/XIV.2.58 CICAD/doc.2230/15 11 November 2015 Original: English PREVENTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2 Preventive and Sustainable Development Mr. Trevor Percival Chairman National Drug Council of Trinidad and Tobago

3 Location of Trinidad and Tobago

4 Our Reality Geographic Location on the traditional Hemispheric Trafficking Route Some trafficking of drugs Mainly cocaine Significant consumption illegal drugs of choice Mainly Marijuana and Cocaine, little Heroin and Amphetamine Type Substances Approximately 4000 arrests per year 85% for possession, including micro-traffickers Some cultivation Approx 227,000 trees eradicated annually 65% of the Prison Population on drug related charges Estimated that another 20% for crimes of acquisition related to drug use Implications A person charged with an offence cannot be considered for certain jobs Eg: Defence Force, Police Service, Public Service Our country does not at this time have a Juvenile Justice System that expunges charges prior to 18 years old

5 Policy Context In May 2014 Cabinet approved the National Drug Policy of Trinidad and Tobago, 2014 and the Operational Plan for Drug Control in Trinidad and Tobago, The Policy and Plan are divided into six primary focal areas: Institutional Strengthening and International Cooperation Demand Reduction Supply Reduction Research Control Measures, and Monitoring and Evaluation.

6 Alternative Development as mentioned in the Policy and Plan Operational Plan for Drug Control in Trinidad and Tobago under the Institutional Strengthening strategic initiatives # 6 Develop a national position for alternative development. Jan-Mar 2014 the approach must transcend the narrow definition assigned by many OAS member countries, in terms of crop substitution. Our definition must relate to the peculiarities of countries which feature as transit points and consumer markets. The approach must bring initiatives which would contribute to the acceptance and adoption of healthier lifestyles among the population; and particularly among those most vulnerable to involvement with drugs. It must involve not only income generation, but also strengthening of educational services, upgrading health care, improving infrastructure, gender mainstreaming and enhancing market skills with special attention given to the participation and empowerment of people. - excerpt from the National Drug Policy of Trinidad and Tobago pgs. 9-10

7 Primary Goal of our Policy To Break the cycle of opportunities for engagement in illicit activities

8 Key Elements for Consideration Must transcend the narrow definition assigned by many OAS member countries, in terms of crop substitution Must relate to the peculiarities of countries which feature as part of transit routes and consumer markets Must bring initiatives which would contribute to the acceptance and adoption of healthier lifestyles among the population; and particularly among those most vulnerable to involvement with drugs. Must involve not only income generation, but also strengthening of educational services, upgrading health care, improving infrastructure, gender mainstreaming and enhancing market skills with special attention given to the participation and empowerment of people

9 Our Response Since early 2000 attempts have been made to develop programmes that direct young people to alternative, developmental activities Some Ministries and Statutory Bodies Ministry of National Security Ministry of Community Development Culture and Arts Ministry of Sport and Youth Ministry of Social Development and Family Affairs Ministry of Education Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service Civil Society Servol Childline WINAD ALTA YMCA Laventille Drug Abuse and Resource Centre Drug Rehabilitation Programmes

10 Consultation on Alternative Development Consultation convened in July and September 2015 Goal - To gather information from agencies to Understand the services offered and their target groups, to facilitate development of a national position on Alternative and Sustainable Development. Government and Civil Society contributed Total of 30 agencies Myriad programmes discussed Total of 32 programmes identified Civilian, Military or Para-Military Led Mainly government programmes or programmes subsidized by Government and delivered by Civil Society 85% of programmes beneficial to males between 14 to 35 This group also represents the largest # of arrests and incarceration The Consultation revealed that the programmes were either preventive or corrective in nature and therefore confirmed that the approach identified in the policy document is viable.

11 Nature of the Programmes Military Led Military Led Academic and Training Programme 2 Year Residential Programme To help Cadets: Develop Positive Characteristics, Learn and enhance their Vocational and para-military Training Skills, and Attain their Academic Certification in an alternative environment, in order to improve their chances of attaining a better quality of life.

12 Nature of the programmes Community Led Partnership programme between GORTT and IDB Located in 22 high risk communities Providing the following services Organisation of the Community Formation of a Community Council made up of responsible members of the community Provision of training and capacity building for the community including Skills Training Conflict resolution Parenting Programmes Preparing for the work place Resume Writing Assistance with entrepreneurship

13 Nature of Programmes - Entrepreneurship NEDCO is focused on the development of the entrepreneur, not just the development of the business. The goal is to empower the individual with the necessary skills to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality. The agency is a one-stop-shop for all necessary support services and the clients ideas are supported through to realisation. The agency supports the individual s dreams by delivering the following strategies for success A to Z of Running a Small Business Record-Keeping & Cash Management, Basic Business Skills, and Effective Management Techniques Importing, Exporting and Marketing Stock Control and Promotion Characteristics of Entrepreneurs Total Quality Management

14 Outcomes CSP Noted an overall 50% decrease in crime in the targeted communities MiLAT 40 % of Cadets graduate the programme NEDCO 90% of applicants receive funding and of that amount 65% complete the programme Other programmes also have mixed results

15 Areas for further development Increased evaluation of programmes Greater collaboration among programmes to reduce duplication Streamlining of programmes Increased opportunities for girls

16 Thank You